The Reluctant Ranger Chapter 16 - Mall

The diner was busier than it had been the first time she and Grace paid it a visit, but then again, that had been at ass a.m. in the morning.  This time, she was bringing the rest of the Rangers with her following another training exercise.  They were all tired following the sparring they had done, but they were finally getting a handle on what they could do. 

Or at least Nicole felt she was.  She and Grace were also signing themselves up for some self defense classes to better handle themselves in the field.  Grace had even taken it a step farther and was studying ancient fighting styles for the axe.  The suggestion to the others had fallen on deaf ears, though she could at least understand in Jeff’s case.  Classic spear techniques wouldn’t be of much use against the Sylan, nor with his own take on the weapon.

Thankfully, the self defense class they found also offered knife training, so getting practical experience there would work out well enough.  She was still looking things up on her own time, however.  There was no point in being under prepared and the cockiness from some of her fellows was beginning to grate on her.

“I can’t believe the control you have with those vines,” Devon exclaimed, grinning as he looked at Kayla. 

“Keep it down, would you?” Kayla said, giggling as she waved him off.  She was turning out to be an unrepentant flirt when it came to the two guys on the team.  “What if someone overhears?” 

It was a real concern, but the overall noise levels within the diner were much higher than expected for eight in the morning.  Nicole was surprised to see Gertie still running herself ragged to keep up with things, though the cook on duty was different.  It was starting to look like the diner would become a regular hangout spot, and she wondered if other Ranger teams had their own preferred meetups. 

“That was a pretty fun trick you pulled at the fire,” Grace said softly.  “I didn’t know your little shadow trick worked like that.” 

“Neither did I,” Nicole admitted, ducking her face as her cheek warmed. 

She wasn’t sure how useful it would be in an actual fight, but she could do some fun stuff with the ability to pass through floors and walls.  Grace however was absolutely mesmerizing in motion, her axe flowing through strikes as if the woman had been practicing for years.  She couldn’t wait to see her in the next fight, she was going to be a complete monster. 

“When do you think the next attack will be?” Jeff asked.  “New York got hit last night, as did Chicago.” 

Nicole’s eyes flicked up to the TV in the corner where it was showing the smoldering Chicago skyline.  The Rangers there had repelled the attack, but the damage was extensive.  New York had fared better, the Fire Rescue team had held the line until the Railway Rangers team arrived to back them up. 

New York and LA were the only cities that had multiple teams, and the attacks were growing fiercer.  Nicole had looked up more attacks since her encounter with Maraline and she knew attacks like the one they had faced that morning should have seen high casualties, but they hadn’t.  She knew their luck would run out once day, but she didn’t want to think about it, she could only continue to prepare and practice. 

And hope that her team’s own hubris didn’t get people killed. 

“We ready to go?” Devon asked, leaving a twenty for his meal. 

Nicole pulled her own wallet from her pouch, frowning at how little was left for the week.  She had enough for her breakfast, a single order of biscuits and gravy, but didn’t have much left for a tip.  She would need to withdraw some extra money from the insurance payout to make sure she could keep getting by. 

Those funds were rapidly dwindling, at least those not already set aside for her college dorm and tuition.  She had considered dropping out a few times, using that money to get a home and try to find a job instead, but it felt like she would be letting down her parents if she did. 

More so, she would be letting down Becca. 

Leaving with the rest of the Rangers, waving goodbye to Gertie as she did, they all climbed into Kayla’s new van before getting on the road for their next ‘team building exercise’; a trip to the Mall of America.

Nicole hadn’t been in almost a year, not since right after her parents died in the invasion.  Becca had dragged her along to try and cheer her up, but it hadn’t been very successful, not when she saw her father’s favorite candy store and just completely lost it. 

She just hoped she didn’t have another meltdown. 

“We’re going to ride the roller coaster, right?” Devon asked. 

“I’m more interested in how fast I can make myself spin on the turtle planes,” Kayla said, almost giddy. 

“Just don’t go so fast you barf on all of us,” Grace said, rolling her eyes.  “Anyone else not looking forward to classes resuming tomorrow?” 

“Fuck no,” Nicole agreed.  “At least I managed to keep up with the assignments, but after everything we’ve been through, normal school stuff is going to feel so damn tedious.” 

“It really is,” Jeff agreed.  He was the only other Ranger that attended Anoka, both Kayla and Devon attended St. Paul.  “I just know that my professor is going to be such a hardass.” 

“I’m actually down a professor,” Nicole admitted, her voice soft.  “Mr. Patterson got in a car accident during the incursion, he’s in ICU right now.” 

“Damn, I hope he recovers,” Grace said, patting Nicole on her shoulder.  “He taught my metallurgy class last year.” 

“That’s the class I’m taking now,” Nicole said, laying a hand on Grace’s own. 

“Okay, be honest, are the two of you fucking?”  Kayla asked.  Nicole started, her heart suddenly hammering in her chest.  Kayla was watching them through the rear view, her eyes flicking back and forth while sparkling with amusement.

Before Nicole could so much as squeak out a denial, Devon snorted.  “Good one.  As if anyone like that would be made a Ranger.” 

The van immediately fell into silence as Jeff and Kayla looked about nervously.  Nicole started to reach for Grace’s hand, but pulled back at the last moment.  Grace’s breathing was shallow, the panic settling in quickly.  Nicole didn’t want to out her like that, or herself for that matter, but she also wanted to stand up to Devon for being an ass. 

“Seriously,” Jeff said, his voice flat.  “What about the San Fran team?  I’m pretty sure that whole team is a polycule.” 

“They are,” Kayla confirmed.  Nicole had read an interview they gave about that, it had been more than touching.  “Devon, you can’t be that dense.  Two girls on the Rail team in New York had a public wedding this summer.  It was covered internationally.” 

The man looked out the window, his jaw set and teeth clenched.  Nicole could tell that he wanted to say more, to stick his foot further down his own throat, but he didn’t dare when it was four against one.  She knew that one statement had just ended any hope for proper team cohesion, they would never be able to fully trust him to watch their back.

Only then did Nicole reach out, her hand sitting close to Grace, an offer for comfort, but not an assumption.  It would be up to her if she was willing to accept it given what had just happened.  They rode in silence, nothing but the sounds of the road and something barely audible on the radio to accompany them.  Nicole was about to withdraw her hand when Grace grasped it and squeezed tight. 

“Thanks,” her friend whispered. 

Nicole looked over, ever so slightly, and smiled.  “Anytime.” 

The tension in the car didn’t abate, even as they arrived in the Mall’s parking garage.  No sooner than they were parked and Devon threw the passenger door open, stomping off on his own.  Nicole groaned at the display, pinching her nose. 

Up front, Kayla let her head drop to the steering wheel.  “Sorry about that, I never expected that from him.” 

“Honestly, me either,” Nicole admitted.  “I guess he skipped the chivalry and just went full devotion for his Paladin build.”

Kayla snorted, shaking her head.  “I can’t believe I found that man attractive.  Well, we may as well not let the asshole ruin our day.”

A bit of nervous chuckling followed from the occupants of the vehicle before the four of them stepped out.  Nicole stretched, letting her back pop as she twisted back and forth, groaning in relief as she did.  When she opened her eyes, she was greeted by a red faced Grace quickly looking away from her. 

She was about to comment on that, but Kayla beat her to it. 

“Gay.  So fucking gay.”  It was said fondly, and with a soft smile on her face as she shook her head, walking ahead.  “Come on then, let’s see if we can do some of that team building shit before your mutual pining results in the necessity for a hotel room.” 

Nicole found herself sputtering denials even as Kayla cackled.  Jeff at least had the sensibility to not get involved, but he still laughed with her, shaking his head as he followed along.  She let out a heavy sigh turning an apologetic look on her friend who was still looking anywhere but at her. 

Should she say something?  Was Grace just embarrassed or did she actually see something there?  Nicole wasn’t attractive, not like Grace was, and yet there was no denying that she was turning into a literal gay mess right then and there.  Grace had been confident and flirty at the Renfaire, and yet, now she was all blushes and looking away.  She must have still been flustered from what Devon said, that was the only explanation for it. 

“We should probably catch up with them,” Nicole said after a moment.  “How about we find something at the food court up top?  They always have some good old fashioned comfort food there.” 

Looking up, Grace’s face was beet red as she silently nodded, following along.  The original plan had been to hit the theme park, but that had soured for the moment, and snacks were the new name of the game.  When Jeff and Kayla stopped at the bookstore, she paused, wanting to split up but knowing it would defeat the purpose. 

Kayla must have seen the conflict on her face as she just waved her off.  “Go ahead, we’ll be here for a while so just catch up once you two lovebirds hash things out.” 

Nicole frowned, tilting her head to the side.  “Kayla, there’s nothing going on between us.” 

The girl chuckled, raising up a single finger with the other hand on her hip.  “Ah, but you want there to be.  Seriously, we’ll be fine and the old grumpy shield needs to dislodge his sword from his ass.”

“If he doesn’t, he might just find a spear lodged there instead,” Jeff added with a smirk. 

Kayla blinked, turning to face the Dragoon.  “Seriously?  Between Devon’s deep in the closet levels of revulsion and your jokes, I’m starting to think I’m the only straight one in our team.” 

Jeff shrugged.  “Hey, I’m bi, but I do have a preference for girls.  Pity about Devon, he was certainly yummy.” 

Kayla barked in raucous laughter.  “He certainly was!”

“I did not need to hear that,” Grace muttered.

Nicole could only agree, but didn’t voice it.  “Alright, we’ll be back in a bit.  Try to avoid burning half the mall down.” 

“No promises,” Kayla said sweetly before turning back to Jeff.  “So, bi huh?” 

Nicole turned and started walking before that conversation could embed itself as a core memory for her future self.  She turned to find Grace with her hands shoved into her pockets and a frown plastered on her face.  With the team building plans shot, did they actually need to stay in the mall proper? 

The thought crossed her mind, but she dismissed it.  Maybe after their trip was over she could find someplace alone with her thoughts, but for now, Grace needed ice cream and fries and any other comfort food she might possibly want.

“You okay?” Nicole asked as she and Grace entered the elevator.  “You’ve been acting off all day.” 

Grace was normally so brave and full of confidence, yet she seemed almost shaken.  If it was because of what Devon had said, well, she might just have to be extra rough with him in the next round of sparring.  Grace had grown up with people like Devon attempting to control her life, and she refused to let her friend suffer further. 

“I’ll be alright,” Grace muttered.  “Just, between our conversation the other day, and Devon’s bullshit, I’ve got a lot of bad memories floating around the surface.” 

“I get that,” Nicole said, reaching out with a tentative hand, brushing a pinky against Grace’s own.  She couldn’t help the smile that came when the grip was returned.  “If you ever need to vent, or just need someone to offer silent support, just let me know.” 

Grace smiled, squeezing her hand as the elevator door opened and the heavy scent of baked bread and frier grease washed over the pair.  Nicole couldn’t help the deep breath that she took, savoring the moment.  It was probably the closest she would get to the concept of heaven, at least when it came to smell. 

“Fuck,” Grace muttered.  “Screw any diet plans, I need something unhealthy as hell after all that.” 

Nicole smiled, though it was a bit weak.  “Perfectly understandable.  Want to take a look around and see what grabs your eye?” 

“Sounds good,” Grace said, returning an equally shaky smile. 

The pair walked together for a few minutes before settling on an ice cream shop.  Their orders were prepared quickly and they soon found a table that overlooked the theme park below.  Nicole’s parents often lamented the rebranding it went through, but she didn’t see what the fuss was if it allowed the park to remain open.  It wasn’t like the rides were all that different in the end. 

“You know,” Grace said, watching a roller coaster go by, “I’ve lived here for three years now, and I’ve never come here.  Kinda funny now that I think of it.” 

“I think it’s like Florida in a way.  Most people who live there never visit the parks, or the beaches.  Those are left to the tourists.  With the mall, there’s more convenient options for those of us who live here.” 

“True,” Grace said.  “Still, it’s an experience unique to the city.  May as well go just to say you went and all.” 

“I suppose,” Nicole said, smiling with her friend.  At least the day was looking like it might improve despite Devon’s best attempt at it.  Grace just didn’t deserve to have bigots in her life, not after everything she had been through.